B-1A vs B-1B Lancer

American strategic bomber, conceived during the Cold War, canceled after four prototypes, resurrected in the advanced B-1B version.
Picture of B-1A
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell
First flight 23 December 1974
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $70 million
American strategic bomber, designed during the Cold War, notably deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan for long-range heavy bombing.
Picture of B-1B Lancer
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell
First flight 23 March 1983
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $283 million
Wing area 594.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 41.7 m â—‰
Height 10.4 m â—‰
Length 52.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2124 km/h â—‰
Operational range 9,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,900 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 179,169 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,700 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Rockwell B-1A
Wing area 181.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 41.8 m â—‰
Height 10.4 m â—‰
Length 44.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1448 km/h â—‰
Operational range 9,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 216,400 kg â—‰
Empty weight 87,100 kg
Total thrust 4 x 6,577 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Rockwell B-1B Lancer

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1A is faster with a maximum speed of 2,124 km/h compared to the B-1B Lancer's 1,448 km/h, a difference of 676 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1A has a longer range at 9,800 km compared to the B-1B Lancer's 9,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1A has a higher service ceiling at 18,900 meters (62,007 ft) compared to the B-1B Lancer's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 216,400 kg compared to the B-1A's 179,169 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1A is longer at 52.0 meters compared to the B-1B Lancer's 44.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer is more expensive at approximately $283 million per unit compared to the B-1A at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer entered service first in 1986, 0 years before the B-1A which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
Both the B-1A and B-1B Lancer have been produced in equal numbers with 104 units each.